Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

Task 1 Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes. 

• Distinguish between a project, program, and a portfolio. 
• Distinguish between a project and operations. 
• Distinguish between predictive and adaptive approaches. 
• Distinguish between issues, risks, assumptions, and constraints. 
• Review/critique project scope. 
• Apply the project management code of ethics to scenarios (refer to PMI  
• Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct). 
• Explain how a project can be a vehicle for change.  

Task 2 Demonstrate an understanding of project management planning. 

• Describe the purpose and importance of cost, quality, risk, schedule, etc. 
• Distinguish between the different deliverables of a project management  
• plan versus product management plan. 
• Distinguish differences between a milestone and a task duration. 
• Determine the number and type of resources in a project. 
• Use a risk register in a given situation. 
• Use a stakeholder register in a given situation.  
• Explain project closure and transitions. 

Task 3 Demonstrate an understanding of project roles and responsibilities. 

• Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of project managers and project sponsors. 
• Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of the project team and the project sponsor. 
• Explain the importance of the role the project manager plays (e.g., initiator, negotiator, listener, coach, working member, and facilitator). 
• Explain the differences between leadership and management.  
• Explain emotional intelligence (EQ) and its impact on project management. 

Task 4 Determine how to follow and execute planned strategies or frameworks (e.g., communication, risks, etc.). 

• Give examples of how it is appropriate to respond to a planned strategy or framework (e.g., communication, risk, etc.). 
• Explain project initiation and benefit planning. 

Task 5 Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques. 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of a meeting. 
• Explain the purpose of focus groups, standup meetings, brainstorming, etc. 

Task 1 Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach. 

• Identify the suitability of a predictive, plan-based approach for the organizational structure (e.g., virtual, colocation, matrix structure, hierarchical, etc.). 
• Determine the activities within each process. 
• Give examples of typical activities within each process. 
• Distinguish the differences between various project components. 

Task 2 Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule. 

• Apply critical path methods. 
• Calculate schedule variance. 
• Explain work breakdown structures (WBS). 
• Explain work packages. 
• Apply a quality management plan. 
• Apply an integration management plan. 

Task 3 Determine how to document project controls of predictive, planbased projects. 

• Identify artifacts that are used in predictive, plan-based projects. 
• Calculate cost and schedule variances.